What is the purpose of a Zen rock garden?

Between school and work and caring for children and making dinner and paying bills it can be hard to find a moment to relax. It can be even harder to find a place to relax. But a miniature Zen rock garden can provide that much needed escape without a trip away from home or the office. Zen rock gardens are essentially sand pits containing gravel and rocks, and occasionally a plant or two. They are a place where people can escape the daily pressures of life and have a moment to meditate and be creative.
Zen gardens were developed in the late 13th century by Muso Soseki, a Zen priest and poet. They’re called karesansui in Japanese, which means “dry mountain water”; the term Zen garden was coined in the 1950s by an American woman who wrote a book about Japanese gardens. In Western culture they’ve become a symbol of clarity and a medium for stress-relief. Miniature Zen gardens have become extremely popular gifts, and can frequently be found in offices.
Tending to the little garden is thought to provide a moment of meditation, where you can quiet your mind and forget about the distractions of life. They also promote mental stimulation – what does the garden look like? Islands peeking out of the waves? Puffs of clouds? However you choose to cultivate your garden, the process of caring for it will give you a moment where you can take a breath and relax without distractions.
